Upcoming Events for Spring

Published: Friday, March 8, 2013 at 12:37 PM.

Spring is busy on the Emerald Coast, including the following events:

Area codes are 850 unless noted.

EmeraldCoastSing-Off

DESTIN – The Emerald Coast Sing Off - Clash For The Cash 2013 elimination round will be held from 5-9 p.m. March 16 inside the conference center at The Palms of Destin Resort. Cost is $10 for general admission seats, and $20 for reserved table seats. No advance ticket sales will be sold. Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis at the door. Fans get to vote.

PAWS on the Throttle

FORT WALTON BEACH – Put your foot to the pedal on two wheels or four for The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society’s fifth annual PAWS on the Throttle Poker Run March 16 beginning at 752 Lovejoy Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and is $15. There will be great prizes, a 50/50 drawing and prizes for best and worst hands. After party begins at 2 p.m. at On the Edge Café on Edge Street in Niceville with music by Johnny Lee. Call 243-1525.

Club L.A.

DESTIN – ACIDIC will join Hinder on their North American tour and will perform at 8:30 p.m. March 16 at Club LA. For tickets, visit www.facebook.com/RockDestin.

Guest recital

NICEVILLE – Pianist Yue Chu returns for a private recital at 7:30 p.m. March 16 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Admission is $20. Yue is noted for his extraordinary skill as the 2011 Gold Medal winner of the Wideman International Piano Competition in Shreveport, La.

Cattle Barons’ Ball

SANDESTIN – The sixth annual emerald Coast Cattle Barons' Ball, focused on boots, jeans, cowboy hats and fun to generate money to support the American Cancer Society, will be held March 16 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The Modern Eldorados, an Americana band out of Mobile, Ala., offer a foot-tapping blend of rockabilly and traditional country music as guests enjoy tasty vittles, live and silent auctions, gaming, and dancing. Call 376-1551 or email inquiries to kayphelan@earthlink.net.

Stage Crafters

FORT WALTON BEACH –Honoring the first responders of 9/11 and the brave men and women around the world who continue in their proud tradition, Stage Crafters presents “The Guys” by Anne Nelson at 7:30 p.m. 16 and 2 p.m. March 17 at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. For tickets, visit StageCrafters.com or call 243-2013.

Call to Artists

FORT WALTON BEACH – The Arts and Design Society is calling all artists to participate in their upcoming art competition, "Black and White," open to all artists and all media. All works must be only in black and white — no other colors allowed. Turn in work from 1-4 p.m. March 16 and 9 a.m. to noon March 18 at 17 First St., SE. Entry form available at http://artsdesignsociety.org/.

Spring production

NICEVILLE – Northwest Florida State College Fine & Performing Arts Division brings one of Shakespeare’s most complicated and entertaining comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 16 in the Sprint Theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/youth age 18 or younger. NWFSC students or area high school students will be admitted free March 11 and 12 by showing a current student ID. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Student Nights. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Irish StreetFest/Grogg March

DESTIN – Wee ones can enjoy Irish music, dance, and games at the Fifth Annual Irish Street Fest and Grogg March at noon March 17 at HarborWalk Village. After dark, “Sham-Rock” throughout HarborWalk Village where each venue will entertain with music and games.

St. Paddy's Day Delight

SANDESTIN – Celebrate the luck of the Irish from 6-9 p.m. March 17 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Henri's Notions will provide traditional Celtic music in the Events Plaza and don't miss a one of a kind performance by the Drake Irish Dancers.

American Legion

DESTIN – Events at American Legion Post 296, 311 Main Street, include the following. Events are open to the public. Call 837-3818.

FORT WALTON BEACH – To showcase the work of local artists, the Arts and Design Society presents exhibits in their studio windows facing First Street. In March, the art of Joan Kordich, who works in watercolor, oil, and pastel, will be on display. Call 244-1271.

Stage Crafters

FORT WALTON BEACH - Stage Crafters Community Theatre will hold auditions for the second production of their 41st season, Skyscraper, March 18 and 19 at the rehearsal hall, 40 Robinwood Drive. Skyscraper features roles for three men and three women; perusal scripts available at 6:30 p.m. with readings beginning at 7 p.m. both nights.

Independent film series

DESTIN – The Friends Guild of the Destin Library presents “Queen of Hearts” at 7 p.m. March 19. The program is free and open to the public. Films are unrated and directed toward mature audiences. Seating will be limited to 60 on a first come, first served basis.

Better Listening

VALPARAISO – Jeffrey Rink, conductor and director of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, will speak at the free Better Listening community classical music study series at 7 p.m. March 19 at the Unitarian Church Fellowship Hall, 1295 Bayshore Drive. No reservations required.

SANDESTIN – The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents a free concert with Déjà vufrom 6-8 p.m. March 20 in the Events Plaza. Call 267-8186.

• March 27: The Forrest Williams Band

AmericanaUnder the Stars

Slim Fatz performs at 6 p.m. March 21 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for the concert series, Americana Under the Stars.

• March 28: Lydia Smith Songwriters Circle

Purses with a Purpose

MIRAMAR BEACH – Purses with a Purpose returns to Silver Sands Premium Outlets from 6-8 p.m. March 22 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23 in the storefront between Carter’s and Bose, with proceeds to benefit Shelter House. VIP Party is March 22 with a $5 donation and includes first pick, food from Carrabba’s, beverages and door prizes. Admission is free March 23.

Sinfonia: Bond and Beyond

OKALOOSA ISLAND – The Sinfonia celebrates its seventh season (007) and 50 years of James Bond at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island. Featured will be the music that made the Bond films famous with award-winning singer Debbie Gravitte, who joins the orchestra to perform Bond favorites such as "Diamonds Are Forever," "Secret Agent Man," "Goldfinger," and more. Tickets are $125 at sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

Easter Egg Hunt

DESTIN – The Destin Library has scheduled its annual Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 4 years and under from 9:30-10:30 a.m. March 27 inside the library. Pre‐registration is required and may be made in person at the library or call 837-8572. Program will include an Easter Hat contest for children — a crazy hat, a floppy hat, an upside down hat, a beautiful hat, a huge hat — plus a visit from the Easter Bunny, free balloons and door prizes.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

DESTIN – The City of Destin’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt for youth ages 12 and under begins at 9:15 a.m. March 30 at Morgan Sports Center. A special egg-hunting zone for Crawlers and Toddlers will be available. Call 654-5184 or email recreation@cityofdestin.com.

Easter Egg Hunt

DESTIN – The Emerald Coast Easter Egg Hunt will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30 at Emerald Coast Baptist Church at the Buck Destin Facility on 734 Legion Drive. A hot dog lunch will be served and there will be inflatables, cotton candy, lemonade, face painting and more.

Easter Explosion

SANDESTIN – Skip, hop, or jump your way to the Village of Baytowne Wharf from 12-3 p.m. March 30. Enjoy face painting, crafts and an inflatable fun zone, plus a stiltwalker making balloon animals and a visit with the Easter Bunny.

Bunny Hop/Easter Egg Walk

SANDESTIN – The novel mile walk, “hop” and egg hunt, sponsored by the new Sandestin Foundation for Kids, will be held March 31 at the Jolee Island Nature Preserve at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Children of all ages will hunt for more than 4,000 eggs, stuffed with candy, little toys, coins, cash or other special prizes, along the trails of Jolee Island. All proceeds go to the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

Call to artists/crafters/performers

DESTIN – The Okaloosa Arts Alliance and HarborWalk Village announce a call for artists, crafters and performers for the Sixth Annual Family Fun Arts Fest, which will be held May 18-19 at HarborWalk Village. Email abaty@okaloosaarts.org or gvann@harborwalk-destin.com for a vendor application or more information.

APRIL

Rock of Ages

NICEVILLE – Rock of Ages, a hilarious, feel-good, rock-n-roll love story told through the hits of Journey, STYX, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister, Poison, and many more, can be seen at 7:30 p.m. April 1 on the Mainstage at Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC. Tickets are $45 each. Group discount of $5 off per ticket is available for groups of 10 or more. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Art exhibits

NICEVILLE – The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville present the annual juried exhibit showcasing the best in NWFSC student and faculty artworks in both the McIlroy and Holzhauer Galleries through April 5. The event is free. Call 729-6044.

Call to Artists

FORT WALTON BEACH – Submit a poster design for the upcoming annual Latin Salsa Festival to be held May 25 to FWBoricuas@yahoo.com by April 5. Winning design receives $100. Design should reflect the Latin Culture and be colorful. Design submissions should be on both a PDF and JPEG formats.

Rodeo

FREEPORT – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast will host its first Rodeo Expo April 5-6 at the Freeport Sports Complex at Hammock Bay. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. each day. Tickets are available online, at partner locations, and gate. Adult tickets $12, and children under 12 are $6.

Poker tournament

DESTIN – A Texas Hold’em Poker Shoot Out to benefit the American Cancer Society and Destin Relay for Life will be held at 5:30 p.m. April 6 at Elks Lodge #1795 on Okaloosa Island. Suggested donation is $30. Email sadie220@yahoo.com or call 225-5679.

SpringFest

DESTIN – Join On the Coast magazine for Destin’s largest outdoor festival just for kids at noon April 6 and 7 at HarborWalk Village. Hands-on activities, face painting, arts and crafts and entertainment will fill both days. Kids can enjoy fish painting, kite making, sidewalk murals, jewelry making, demonstrations from local artisans, kids’ karaoke contest and more.

Cooking class

MIRAMAR BEACH – Carrabba’s Italian Grill at Silver Sands Premium Outlets will share secrets from its kitchen in a cooking class from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 to benefit United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties. Chef Paul will offer cooking demonstrations of some Italian dishes during an afternoon featuring food samples, a complimentary glass of wine, a raffle and recipes to take home. Tickets are $45. Seating is limited and registration is required at 243-0315 or email rondad@united-way.org.

Star Gazing by the Shore

DESTIN – Henderson Beach State Park on U.S. 98 will host a star gazing program from 7-10 p.m. April 12. Volunteers from the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association will set up several telescopes for public viewing of star clusters, planets, and galaxies. The park will close at sunset. All those attending should arrive prior to sunset. Call park for sunset time. Program included in the park admission fee. Call 837-7550.

Dance Facets 2013

NICEVILLE – The dance students at Northwest Florida State College present the annual dance concert, Dance Facets 2013, featuring original works and choreography, at 7:30 p.m. April 12 and 13 on the Mainstage of the college’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Dancers will perform original dance presentations featuring classical ballet, contemporary, and modern. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/youth, age 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or purchase online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Emerald Coast Sing-Off

DESTIN – The Emerald Coast Sing Off - Clash For The Cash 2013 finals will be held from 4-10 p.m. April 14 inside the Conference Center at the Palms of Destin Resort. Geoff McBride will be the head celebrity judge and headline entertainer along with 10 of the best singers in this area.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival celebrates its 15th year anniversary beginning at 5 p.m. April 18 and 19 and 11 a.m. April 20 and 21 at the Aaron Beasant Park Amphitheater at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Get artist lineup and ticket information at 800-653-7519, or purchase tickets at 1-800-595-4849 or tix.com.

Art Walk

FORT WALTON BEACH – The Downtown Fort Walton Beach Art Walk, a free art bazaar with local art, food and live entertainment, begins from 5:30-8:30 p.m. April 19 on U.S. 98. Future Art Walks are on May 17, June 21, July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 20.

Cinderella

FORT WALTON BEACH – Rocky Bayou Christian School Fine Arts Department will present the Rogers & Hammerstein’s Enchanted Edition of Cinderella at 7 p.m. April 19 and 20 in the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. Tickets go on sale at the school the first week in April and will also be available at the door one hour before the show. Call 678-7358 or emailobrigewitchj@rbcs.org

NWFSO concert

NICEVILLE – The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents its “Fate and Triumph” Concert April 20 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, Belle Voci, NWFSC Madrigal Singers and the Niceville Singers of Niceville High School join the performance. Tickets are $22.50/adults, $16/Active Duty Military and youth ages 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Madrigals and Belle Voci

NICEVILLE – The Madrigals and Belle Voci vocal ensembles of Northwest Florida State College present a free Spring Concert April 21 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Repertoire ranges from the Renaissance madrigal to the contemporary gospel spiritual and vocal jazz. The concert is free and open to the public, however donations to support the vocal programs are welcomed.

Art Exhibits

NICEVILLE – The Arts and Design Society, Inc. of Fort Walton Beach presents its 21st regional juried exhibition April 21-May 31 in the McIlroy Gallery at the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College. Awards reception will be held at 2 p.m. April 21.

Honors recital

NICEVILLE – The Performing Arts Division Honors recital will be held at 3 p.m. April 26 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the music wing at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College. The recital is free and open to the public. For information contact the NWFSC Fine Arts Office at 729-5382.

Soundsations Showchoir/Jazz Ensemble Concert

NICEVILLE – The Soundsations Showchoir and the Jazz Ensemble of Northwest Florida State College join together to present an end-of-year concert at 7:30 p.m. April 29 in the Mainstage theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC. The variety show will include song, dance, and a line-up of jazz favorites. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/youth 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

MAY

Cinco de Mayo Fest

DESTIN – A vibrant celebration of Latin music, food, dance, and more begins at noon May 5 at HarborWalk Village. Kids will enjoy activities and crafts.

Little Black Dress Party

OKALOOSA ISLAND – The Fourth Annual Little Black Dress Party will be held May 18 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center to raise money for local charities to help raise awareness and education of the importance of preventive health and early detection. For tickets, visit www.FWBLittleBlackDressParty.com.

Family Fun Arts Fest

DESTIN – The Sixth Annual Okaloosa Arts Alliance Family Fun Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 18 and 19 at HarborWalk Village. The annual event features dozens of local artisans and craft vendors, food and beverages, live music and art performances, free family activities, hands on art projects, educational animal presentations and exhibits, face painting and street performances. A silent auction will help raise funds for OAA and Okaloosa County School Poster contest entries will be on display.

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DESTIN – The Emerald Coast Sing Off - Clash For The Cash 2013 elimination round will be held from 5-9 p.m. March 16 inside the conference center at The Palms of Destin Resort. Cost is $10 for general admission seats, and $20 for reserved table seats. No advance ticket sales will be sold. Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis at the door. Fans get to vote.

PAWS on the Throttle

FORT WALTON BEACH – Put your foot to the pedal on two wheels or four for The Panhandle Animal Welfare Society’s fifth annual PAWS on the Throttle Poker Run March 16 beginning at 752 Lovejoy Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and is $15. There will be great prizes, a 50/50 drawing and prizes for best and worst hands. After party begins at 2 p.m. at On the Edge Café on Edge Street in Niceville with music by Johnny Lee. Call 243-1525.

Club L.A.

DESTIN – ACIDIC will join Hinder on their North American tour and will perform at 8:30 p.m. March 16 at Club LA. For tickets, visit www.facebook.com/RockDestin.

Guest recital

NICEVILLE – Pianist Yue Chu returns for a private recital at 7:30 p.m. March 16 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Admission is $20. Yue is noted for his extraordinary skill as the 2011 Gold Medal winner of the Wideman International Piano Competition in Shreveport, La.

Cattle Barons’ Ball

SANDESTIN – The sixth annual emerald Coast Cattle Barons' Ball, focused on boots, jeans, cowboy hats and fun to generate money to support the American Cancer Society, will be held March 16 at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. The Modern Eldorados, an Americana band out of Mobile, Ala., offer a foot-tapping blend of rockabilly and traditional country music as guests enjoy tasty vittles, live and silent auctions, gaming, and dancing. Call 376-1551 or email inquiries to kayphelan@earthlink.net.

Stage Crafters

FORT WALTON BEACH –Honoring the first responders of 9/11 and the brave men and women around the world who continue in their proud tradition, Stage Crafters presents “The Guys” by Anne Nelson at 7:30 p.m. 16 and 2 p.m. March 17 at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. For tickets, visit StageCrafters.com or call 243-2013.

Call to Artists

FORT WALTON BEACH – The Arts and Design Society is calling all artists to participate in their upcoming art competition, "Black and White," open to all artists and all media. All works must be only in black and white — no other colors allowed. Turn in work from 1-4 p.m. March 16 and 9 a.m. to noon March 18 at 17 First St., SE. Entry form available at http://artsdesignsociety.org/.

Spring production

NICEVILLE – Northwest Florida State College Fine & Performing Arts Division brings one of Shakespeare’s most complicated and entertaining comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, to the stage at 7:30 p.m. March 16 in the Sprint Theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/youth age 18 or younger. NWFSC students or area high school students will be admitted free March 11 and 12 by showing a current student ID. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Student Nights. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Irish StreetFest/Grogg March

DESTIN – Wee ones can enjoy Irish music, dance, and games at the Fifth Annual Irish Street Fest and Grogg March at noon March 17 at HarborWalk Village. After dark, “Sham-Rock” throughout HarborWalk Village where each venue will entertain with music and games.

St. Paddy's Day Delight

SANDESTIN – Celebrate the luck of the Irish from 6-9 p.m. March 17 at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Henri's Notions will provide traditional Celtic music in the Events Plaza and don't miss a one of a kind performance by the Drake Irish Dancers.

American Legion

DESTIN – Events at American Legion Post 296, 311 Main Street, include the following. Events are open to the public. Call 837-3818.

FORT WALTON BEACH – To showcase the work of local artists, the Arts and Design Society presents exhibits in their studio windows facing First Street. In March, the art of Joan Kordich, who works in watercolor, oil, and pastel, will be on display. Call 244-1271.

Stage Crafters

FORT WALTON BEACH - Stage Crafters Community Theatre will hold auditions for the second production of their 41st season, Skyscraper, March 18 and 19 at the rehearsal hall, 40 Robinwood Drive. Skyscraper features roles for three men and three women; perusal scripts available at 6:30 p.m. with readings beginning at 7 p.m. both nights.

Independent film series

DESTIN – The Friends Guild of the Destin Library presents “Queen of Hearts” at 7 p.m. March 19. The program is free and open to the public. Films are unrated and directed toward mature audiences. Seating will be limited to 60 on a first come, first served basis.

Better Listening

VALPARAISO – Jeffrey Rink, conductor and director of the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, will speak at the free Better Listening community classical music study series at 7 p.m. March 19 at the Unitarian Church Fellowship Hall, 1295 Bayshore Drive. No reservations required.

SANDESTIN – The Village of Baytowne Wharf presents a free concert with Déjà vufrom 6-8 p.m. March 20 in the Events Plaza. Call 267-8186.

• March 27: The Forrest Williams Band

AmericanaUnder the Stars

Slim Fatz performs at 6 p.m. March 21 at Topsail Hill Preserve State Park for the concert series, Americana Under the Stars.

• March 28: Lydia Smith Songwriters Circle

Purses with a Purpose

MIRAMAR BEACH – Purses with a Purpose returns to Silver Sands Premium Outlets from 6-8 p.m. March 22 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 23 in the storefront between Carter’s and Bose, with proceeds to benefit Shelter House. VIP Party is March 22 with a $5 donation and includes first pick, food from Carrabba’s, beverages and door prizes. Admission is free March 23.

Sinfonia: Bond and Beyond

OKALOOSA ISLAND – The Sinfonia celebrates its seventh season (007) and 50 years of James Bond at 7:30 p.m. March 23 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center on Okaloosa Island. Featured will be the music that made the Bond films famous with award-winning singer Debbie Gravitte, who joins the orchestra to perform Bond favorites such as "Diamonds Are Forever," "Secret Agent Man," "Goldfinger," and more. Tickets are $125 at sinfoniagulfcoast.org.

Easter Egg Hunt

DESTIN – The Destin Library has scheduled its annual Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 4 years and under from 9:30-10:30 a.m. March 27 inside the library. Pre‐registration is required and may be made in person at the library or call 837-8572. Program will include an Easter Hat contest for children — a crazy hat, a floppy hat, an upside down hat, a beautiful hat, a huge hat — plus a visit from the Easter Bunny, free balloons and door prizes.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt

DESTIN – The City of Destin’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt for youth ages 12 and under begins at 9:15 a.m. March 30 at Morgan Sports Center. A special egg-hunting zone for Crawlers and Toddlers will be available. Call 654-5184 or email recreation@cityofdestin.com.

Easter Egg Hunt

DESTIN – The Emerald Coast Easter Egg Hunt will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 30 at Emerald Coast Baptist Church at the Buck Destin Facility on 734 Legion Drive. A hot dog lunch will be served and there will be inflatables, cotton candy, lemonade, face painting and more.

Easter Explosion

SANDESTIN – Skip, hop, or jump your way to the Village of Baytowne Wharf from 12-3 p.m. March 30. Enjoy face painting, crafts and an inflatable fun zone, plus a stiltwalker making balloon animals and a visit with the Easter Bunny.

Bunny Hop/Easter Egg Walk

SANDESTIN – The novel mile walk, “hop” and egg hunt, sponsored by the new Sandestin Foundation for Kids, will be held March 31 at the Jolee Island Nature Preserve at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. Children of all ages will hunt for more than 4,000 eggs, stuffed with candy, little toys, coins, cash or other special prizes, along the trails of Jolee Island. All proceeds go to the Sandestin Foundation for Kids.

Call to artists/crafters/performers

DESTIN – The Okaloosa Arts Alliance and HarborWalk Village announce a call for artists, crafters and performers for the Sixth Annual Family Fun Arts Fest, which will be held May 18-19 at HarborWalk Village. Email abaty@okaloosaarts.org or gvann@harborwalk-destin.com for a vendor application or more information.

APRIL

Rock of Ages

NICEVILLE – Rock of Ages, a hilarious, feel-good, rock-n-roll love story told through the hits of Journey, STYX, REO Speedwagon, Twisted Sister, Poison, and many more, can be seen at 7:30 p.m. April 1 on the Mainstage at Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC. Tickets are $45 each. Group discount of $5 off per ticket is available for groups of 10 or more. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Art exhibits

NICEVILLE – The Mattie Kelly Arts Center Galleries at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville present the annual juried exhibit showcasing the best in NWFSC student and faculty artworks in both the McIlroy and Holzhauer Galleries through April 5. The event is free. Call 729-6044.

Call to Artists

FORT WALTON BEACH – Submit a poster design for the upcoming annual Latin Salsa Festival to be held May 25 to FWBoricuas@yahoo.com by April 5. Winning design receives $100. Design should reflect the Latin Culture and be colorful. Design submissions should be on both a PDF and JPEG formats.

Rodeo

FREEPORT – The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast will host its first Rodeo Expo April 5-6 at the Freeport Sports Complex at Hammock Bay. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. each day. Tickets are available online, at partner locations, and gate. Adult tickets $12, and children under 12 are $6.

Poker tournament

DESTIN – A Texas Hold’em Poker Shoot Out to benefit the American Cancer Society and Destin Relay for Life will be held at 5:30 p.m. April 6 at Elks Lodge #1795 on Okaloosa Island. Suggested donation is $30. Email sadie220@yahoo.com or call 225-5679.

SpringFest

DESTIN – Join On the Coast magazine for Destin’s largest outdoor festival just for kids at noon April 6 and 7 at HarborWalk Village. Hands-on activities, face painting, arts and crafts and entertainment will fill both days. Kids can enjoy fish painting, kite making, sidewalk murals, jewelry making, demonstrations from local artisans, kids’ karaoke contest and more.

Cooking class

MIRAMAR BEACH – Carrabba’s Italian Grill at Silver Sands Premium Outlets will share secrets from its kitchen in a cooking class from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 to benefit United Way of Okaloosa & Walton Counties. Chef Paul will offer cooking demonstrations of some Italian dishes during an afternoon featuring food samples, a complimentary glass of wine, a raffle and recipes to take home. Tickets are $45. Seating is limited and registration is required at 243-0315 or email rondad@united-way.org.

Star Gazing by the Shore

DESTIN – Henderson Beach State Park on U.S. 98 will host a star gazing program from 7-10 p.m. April 12. Volunteers from the Northwest Florida Astronomy Association will set up several telescopes for public viewing of star clusters, planets, and galaxies. The park will close at sunset. All those attending should arrive prior to sunset. Call park for sunset time. Program included in the park admission fee. Call 837-7550.

Dance Facets 2013

NICEVILLE – The dance students at Northwest Florida State College present the annual dance concert, Dance Facets 2013, featuring original works and choreography, at 7:30 p.m. April 12 and 13 on the Mainstage of the college’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Dancers will perform original dance presentations featuring classical ballet, contemporary, and modern. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/youth, age 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or purchase online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Emerald Coast Sing-Off

DESTIN – The Emerald Coast Sing Off - Clash For The Cash 2013 finals will be held from 4-10 p.m. April 14 inside the Conference Center at the Palms of Destin Resort. Geoff McBride will be the head celebrity judge and headline entertainer along with 10 of the best singers in this area.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival

The Seabreeze Jazz Festival celebrates its 15th year anniversary beginning at 5 p.m. April 18 and 19 and 11 a.m. April 20 and 21 at the Aaron Beasant Park Amphitheater at Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Get artist lineup and ticket information at 800-653-7519, or purchase tickets at 1-800-595-4849 or tix.com.

Art Walk

FORT WALTON BEACH – The Downtown Fort Walton Beach Art Walk, a free art bazaar with local art, food and live entertainment, begins from 5:30-8:30 p.m. April 19 on U.S. 98. Future Art Walks are on May 17, June 21, July 19, Aug. 16 and Sept. 20.

Cinderella

FORT WALTON BEACH – Rocky Bayou Christian School Fine Arts Department will present the Rogers & Hammerstein’s Enchanted Edition of Cinderella at 7 p.m. April 19 and 20 in the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. Tickets go on sale at the school the first week in April and will also be available at the door one hour before the show. Call 678-7358 or emailobrigewitchj@rbcs.org

NWFSO concert

NICEVILLE – The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents its “Fate and Triumph” Concert April 20 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. The Northwest Florida Symphony Chorale, Belle Voci, NWFSC Madrigal Singers and the Niceville Singers of Niceville High School join the performance. Tickets are $22.50/adults, $16/Active Duty Military and youth ages 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Madrigals and Belle Voci

NICEVILLE – The Madrigals and Belle Voci vocal ensembles of Northwest Florida State College present a free Spring Concert April 21 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Repertoire ranges from the Renaissance madrigal to the contemporary gospel spiritual and vocal jazz. The concert is free and open to the public, however donations to support the vocal programs are welcomed.

Art Exhibits

NICEVILLE – The Arts and Design Society, Inc. of Fort Walton Beach presents its 21st regional juried exhibition April 21-May 31 in the McIlroy Gallery at the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College. Awards reception will be held at 2 p.m. April 21.

Honors recital

NICEVILLE – The Performing Arts Division Honors recital will be held at 3 p.m. April 26 in the Tyler Recital Hall of the music wing at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida State College. The recital is free and open to the public. For information contact the NWFSC Fine Arts Office at 729-5382.

Soundsations Showchoir/Jazz Ensemble Concert

NICEVILLE – The Soundsations Showchoir and the Jazz Ensemble of Northwest Florida State College join together to present an end-of-year concert at 7:30 p.m. April 29 in the Mainstage theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center at NWFSC. The variety show will include song, dance, and a line-up of jazz favorites. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/youth 18 and younger. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

MAY

Cinco de Mayo Fest

DESTIN – A vibrant celebration of Latin music, food, dance, and more begins at noon May 5 at HarborWalk Village. Kids will enjoy activities and crafts.

Little Black Dress Party

OKALOOSA ISLAND – The Fourth Annual Little Black Dress Party will be held May 18 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center to raise money for local charities to help raise awareness and education of the importance of preventive health and early detection. For tickets, visit www.FWBLittleBlackDressParty.com.

Family Fun Arts Fest

DESTIN – The Sixth Annual Okaloosa Arts Alliance Family Fun Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 18 and 19 at HarborWalk Village. The annual event features dozens of local artisans and craft vendors, food and beverages, live music and art performances, free family activities, hands on art projects, educational animal presentations and exhibits, face painting and street performances. A silent auction will help raise funds for OAA and Okaloosa County School Poster contest entries will be on display.